Girl gets hired for her dream job only to discover her boss is a nightmare—and unfairly hot. Sound familiar? But what if I told you that the dream job was working for a video game company, and that both the girl and the superhot boss in question are queer people of color? Non-white, non-straight, non-cisgendered protagonists are still the exception rather than the rule, both in romances and in the gaming industry, which is exactly why Tara Tai’s Single Player is a breath of fresh air. Because everyone deserves the chance to have a goofy, tumultuous, accident-prone rom-com of their very own.
It starts with Cat Li, who gave up a profitable but soul-sucking career and her family’s approval to chase her dream of working in the gaming industry. She’s beyond thrilled when she’s hired to write romance arcs for a hot new game overseen by her idol, Andi Zhang, a wunderkind writer and creative director who uses both she and they pronouns. But when Cat and Andi actually meet, sparks fly in the worst possible way. Their interactions are full of misunderstandings, insecurities and a surprising mutual ex-girlfriend, and some readers may become frustrated by their inability to communicate. But then Cat and Andi finally, truly start to connect.
While Single Player waves its nerd flag proudly—there were probably about a million references that sailed directly over my head—there’s a lot here for even the least gamer-savvy reader to enjoy. Cat and Andi face hurdles aplenty to reach success, both romantically and otherwise, but that just means that by the time they reach the end of their gameplay, they’ve more than earned their happy ending.
Single Player, Tara Tai’s extremely nerdy romance set at a video game company, is a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Tessa Bailey’s ultra-steamy rom-coms don’t shy away from kink or complicated relationship dynamics, but Dream Girl Drama is a first for her: a love story between two step-siblings. And since Sig Gauthie and Chloe Clifford are 1) full-blown adults and 2) very aware of the other’s feelings before they even learn their parents are dating, it sure sounds like Bailey is going to offer readers all of the taboo fun with none of the guilt.
Tessa Bailey’s ultra-steamy rom-coms don’t shy away from kink or complicated relationship dynamics, but Dream Girl Drama is a first for her: a love story between two step-siblings. And since Sig Gauthie and Chloe Clifford are 1) full-blown adults and 2) very aware of the…
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Lauren Kung Jessen offers a thoughtful and unique contemporary romance with Yin Yang Love Song. Set on Washington’s Whidbey Island, the book centers on Chrysanthemum Hua Williams, a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and a self-proclaimed “heartbreak herbalist.” After meeting Vin and Leo Chao, a pair of famous rock cellists, Chryssy invites them to her family’s healing retreat to help Leo overcome a bad break-up. Cue rabid fans of the Chao Brothers assuming Vin and Chryssy are in a relationship, which the pair not-so-reluctantly embraces in order to promote their individual work. Faux quickly feels real, even though neither believes themself capable of lasting love—but it’s clear that Vin and Chryssy are romantics at heart. Chryssy’s large family (many of whom believe they are cursed to never find love) and fascinating glimpses of TCM fill out this story, which begs to be read with a cup of relaxing herbal tea. Jessen’s evocative descriptions of flowers, acupuncture and music weave their way through the narrative, adding even more to enjoy.
The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall
Romance struggles to overcome horror in J. Ann Thomas’ creepy, shiver-inducing The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall. Elegy Thorne has resigned herself to the dictates of her father: wearing historical clothing, agreeing to an arranged engagement and being bound to her ancestral home and its 14 resident ghosts. That is, until handsome Atticus Hart arrives to work on some much-needed repairs. Their immediate spark of attraction makes Elegy wonder what could be . . . but her daily encounters with the sometimes-genial and sometimes-malevolent spirits remind her why she must stay at Thorne Hall to keep them under control. Atticus soon learns the truth of her predicament, and with him and other friends at hand, Elegy decides to break the chains of old promises, even though it puts her life and the lives of those she loves at risk. Unforeseen secrets and gruesome spookiness abound.
Strike and Burn
The compelling opening scene of Taylor Hutton’s Strike and Burn is the opposite of a meet-cute: Standing beside the corpse of her dead sister in the local morgue, Honor Stone encounters undeniably sexy Strike Madden. They spar, they quip, they kiss. Purely due to the highly emotional situation, Honor tells herself afterward. But when Strike finds her at her boutique, the part-time artist can’t dismiss him, even as palpable threats hover over the burgeoning relationship. Strike is rich but mysterious, emotionally available yet secretive. Then there’s the terrifying presence of her sister’s former boyfriend—likely her murderer—who now wants Honor for his own. Hutton’s burning-hot sex scenes torch the pages, and the hallmark of the best dark romances emerges from the smoke: morally ambiguous characters whom readers will root for despite their deep flaws and violent tendencies. Strike and Burn is a can’t-look-away read.
Out of the Woods
In Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young, Sarah and Caleb Linwood seek to rejuvenate their marriage at a couples wilderness retreat. Told in Sarah’s first-person point of view, with flashbacks to give context to the present, this romance delves into a 17-year relationship that hasn’t grown as the characters—who married as teens—matured. The camping and hiking is a frame for the exploration of the marriage, and also adds humor for the outdoor-averse pair. Bonam-Young writes with an upbeat and irreverent contemporary voice that keeps the pace moving and the sex scenes sizzling as the two persevere to find new happiness. Grief and loss are at the center of this romance, which will surely touch readers’ hearts (as will glimpses of the Happily Ever After of characters from Bonam-Young’s previous novel, Out on a Limb).
Zoe Brennan, First Crush
A small, family-owned winery in Georgia is the stage for Zoe Brennan, First Crush by Laura Piper Lee. Lonely and stressed, the titular character and narrator participates in a blindfolded but otherwise little-left-to-the-imagination threesome with two other women. The unexpected and explosive passion turns to near-panic when Zoe discovers she’s just had an incredibly hot hookup with her ex-BFF’s big sister and her own teenage crush, Laine Woods. The awkwardness only escalates when she finds out that Laine has been hired as the vintner at Zoe’s floundering vineyard. Cue scenes of struggling to keep things professional, of longing looks and lustful thoughts interspersed with glimpses of the grape-growing and wine-making process. Zoe’s romantic history is dismal and she’s protected her heart since the loss of her mother, but Laine could maybe change all that. A big event that will mean success or failure for the winery, as well as for Laine’s reputation, ups the stakes as these two fall in bed and then in love. There’s a Tolkienesque wedding and a cast of raucous friends to add hijinks to this lovely—and libidinous—romance.
Happily Ever After is always possible, whether you’re spending time in nature or facing down 14 ghosts.
The sweetest sparks fly when childhood friends agree to a marriage of convenience for the sake of a green card in The Broposal, the charming adult debut from Sonora Reyes, author of acclaimed YA novels The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School and The Luis Ortega Survival Club.
Alejandro (Han) and Kenny met in second grade during a contentious game of dodgeball, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. No one is surprised when they announce their engagement. In fact, most of their friends and family think it’s about time they made it official. The thing is, Han and Kenny are faking the whole thing so that Han can get a green card and become a U.S. citizen. If Han is going to fake marry anyone, it might as well be his lifelong bestie, who knows him better than anyone else. Sweet, sensitive Kenny would do anything to help his friend, and if it helps Han get over his toxic ex, Jackie, then all the better. But soon their fake relationship begins to feel all too real. With all their friends and family rooting for them, can these two bros dodge threats from the vengeful Jackie and immigration officers and make it down the altar for real?
Reyes doesn’t shy away from infusing this rom-com with very real and terrifying stakes. (Sensitive readers should consider reading the list of triggers in the Author’s Note.) On one hand, it is a complete delight to watch Han and Kenny dance around each other, completely oblivious to their true feelings and fooling no one but themselves. They adopt a cactus together, co-parent an adorable dog and support each other at every turn. Despite all of this, there is an almost constant hum of unease in the background, as their happiness is on shaky ground thanks to forces outside their control. While this worked for most of the narrative, at times it overwhelmed the story, since the odds against Han and Kenny are almost insurmountable. With Jackie as an almost cartoonish villain threatening their happiness at every turn (“Jackie” may replace “Karen” as a generic placeholder for horrible white women committed to being the worst), the additional threat that ICE presents to Han every time he leaves his house and a few other obstacles I won’t spoil, Han and Kenny do not have an easy road to happiness. But Reyes understands that queer joy is important: Even if we have to wait till the very last pages, their characters are going to get that hard-won HEA. Throughout The Broposal, Reyes effectively conveys the deep love that their characters have shared since they were young. So despite moments when everything feels bleak, that love is still palpable, and it’s clear that these two sweethearts are going to make it.
Fans of Reyes’ previous work will be excited for their adult debut and the chance for more from this talented author.
In their adult debut, Sonora Reyes infuses a rom-com with real and terrifying stakes.
A lusty and romantic kiss turns sour and dilemmas ensue when would-be lovebirds discover they are soon-to-be stepsiblings in Tessa Bailey’s Dream Girl Drama.
When his old but usually dependable truck breaks down at an exclusive Connecticut country club, two-time NHL All-Star Sig Gauthier is rescued by the stunning Chloe Clifford, who lets him into the club so he can call a tow truck. Captivated by the quick-witted beauty, he steals a kiss before continuing his journey to visit his father, who is preparing to marry yet another wealthy socialite. But upon meeting his father’s new fiancée, Sig is stunned to discover that she is none other than Chloe’s mother. How will Sig navigate his overwhelming attraction and desire for his dream girl, without them becoming kissing stepsiblings?
The third entry in Bailey’s Big Shots sports romance series, Dream Girl Drama combines humor and heartfelt moments, exploring its nuanced protagonists through their endearing interactions. Sig is an intriguing blend of organic, rough-and-tumble masculinity and gentlemanly protectiveness. Bright, sweet and four years his junior, the 25-year-old Chloe lacks practical life skills thanks to living in the lap of luxury with her mother, yet she dreams of making her own way and studying music at the Boston Conservatory.
Although the narrative makes it clear that there is nothing technically wrong with adult stepsiblings dating and embarking on lustful encounters, Sig and Chloe’s parents, as well as Chloe’s mentor, aren’t on board with the unconventional relationship. Some readers may find it frustrating that the obstacles to the couple’s potential romance are often self-imposed and exaggerated, but Dream Girl Drama delivers a poignant look at two people striving to be the best version of themselves, both individually and in regard to their budding relationship, despite feeling unable to act on their true emotions. However, the shifting tone between the sweet and sensual moments can be abrupt. Sig’s voice is especially inconsistent: at times refined, but then transitioning to descriptors laden with f-bombs. That said, both characters’ internal battle to navigate the delicate line between friendship and romance heightens the tension, adding drama to their authentic and genuine dynamic.
A warm, comedic romance that challenges convention and explores self-imposed boundaries, Dream Girl Drama is a treat for fans of forbidden love stories like Bailey’s previous novel, The Au Pair Affair, and The Off-Limits Rule by Sarah Adams.
Two adult stepsiblings navigate their overwhelming attraction to each other in Tessa Bailey’s humorous, heartfelt Dream Girl Drama.
Plenty of us have thought about it, right? What it would be like to live in a Hallmark movie—in a charming, quaint town where everyone’s friendly, the weather’s perfect and no one has a bad hair day. Where you’re guaranteed to find love and happiness, often wrapped up in a Christmas-red bow. But when career-driven lawyer Campbell Andrews falls asleep in Manhattan and wakes up in idyllic Heart Springs, she’s not pleased, she’s horrified. There’s some magic at work—wisely never explained by author Falon Ballard—that has stuck her in this self-contained world (with no phones or computers in sight), and she can’t escape until she learns some life lessons. Specifically, how to find a job she genuinely cares about, how to be part of a community and how to discover true love.
If you think Ballard’s Change of Heart sounds like Schmigadoon or Pleasantville, you wouldn’t be wrong. But Heart Springs has a distinctly Hallmark style, complete with various misadventures as Cam tries different jobs—and different men—to find the ones that fit just right. A self-aware heroine, Cam sharply picks apart the well-worn tropes she finds herself living. But as Cam learns to find the charm in them, we do as well. And there is quite a lot of charm, not just in our frank, snarky heroine but in her love interest, Ben. Another transplant from the real world, Ben proves to be an adept verbal sparring partner in his and Cam’s earlier, pricklier scenes . . . and then a genuinely good friend and lover as their relationship progresses. It would have been nice if Change of Heart pushed a little harder at the dated elements endemic to this kind of world—specifically the cringey gender stereotypes. Cam notices and dislikes them at the beginning, but doesn’t actually try to change them. And eventually, they stop bothering her, because she’s focusing on the real affection she feels for the town and the friends she makes there. They may be old-fashioned, but they’re sweet and endearing, and it’s impossible to blame her for falling in love with them all.
Falon Ballard’s sweet, endearing Change of Heart follows a career-driven lawyer who is magically transported into a Hallmark movie-esque world.
Mary Balogh offers a Regency-era, quietly enchanting story of second-chance love in Remember When. Nearing her 50th birthday, widow Clarissa Ware, the Dowager Countess of Stratton, returns to her family’s country estate alone, intent on contemplating the next phase of her life. With her children launched into society, she is seeking new meaning and begins by rekindling a friendship with Matthew Taylor, the village carpenter she loved when she was 17. No great drama ensues, but Balogh is a master at drawing readers in without it; the engrossing story unfolds through depth of emotion and long passages of introspection. Clarissa and Matthew are seasoned people with failings and successes behind them, yet they realize there is more ahead—a breadth of love that is a pleasure to discover through their eyes.
Into the Woods
A stay at a summer camp gives a dance teacher and a rock star a new start in Jenny Holiday’s Into the Woods. After years of bad dates and approaching 40, dance teacher Gretchen Miller decides to embrace her impending crone status by giving up men and focusing on her dance studio. But while filling in as a mentor at a camp for artistic teens, she meets rocker Teddy Knight, a lauded songwriter whose band recently broke up. Sparks fly, so maybe Teddy can be her last—blazing—sexual hurrah? Teddy is all for it, since he’s flailing professionally and new songs aren’t yet coming. These two bicker at first and banter throughout, yet in the end are understanding and kind to each other, just what they both needed all along. A story of two modern, authentic and endearing characters at a crossroads, Into the Woods is funny, emotional and even a bit inspirational as Gretchen and Teddy grapple with issues both personal and social.
Stuck in the Country With You
Zuri Day takes readers on an entertaining, emotional roller-coaster ride in Stuck in the Country With You. Genesis Washington is surprised when she inherits her great-uncle’s Tennessee farm, but surprise turns to chagrin when she learns her next-door neighbor is her one-time hookup, former pro football player Jaxson King. Though their night together stirred up trouble in her family that Genesis doesn’t want to repeat, she can’t avoid the sexy Jaxson, who steps in to help her again and again. Despite the fire between them, which singes the sheets in love scenes hotter than Jaxson’s chili, trust between the pair is hard-won. However, both find time for self-reflection on the way to their Happily Ever After, and Day shows how they grow as individuals before they completely commit as a couple. Stalwart friends and neighbors round out a cast of likable characters that adds to the satisfying fun.
Mary Balogh’s latest is utterly enchanting, plus new releases from Jenny Holiday and Zuri Day in this month’s romance column.
Ally Carter does it again with the delightful The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year. An anonymous invitation lures rival mystery writers Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt to a secluded and nearly snowbound English mansion for Christmas. Upon arrival, they encounter a series of surprises: the identity of their hostess, her almost immediate disappearance and the dynamic sleuthing duo they become. Alternating between Maggie’s and Ethan’s viewpoints, this romantic comedy packs in plot and smiles on every page as the two work to unravel the puzzles they encounter during their stay. The characters’ emotional backstories add authentic heft, and Ethan’s heartfelt and outspoken devotion for Maggie will warm the coldest winter night. Readers will be more than willing to put off any pending holiday tasks to indulge in this vastly entertaining read.
Kiss Me at Christmas
Describing Kiss Me at Christmas by Jenny Bayliss as “feel-good” would be a colossal understatement: The entire package is practically wrapped in a sparkly Christmas bow. Right before the holidays, 40-something main characters Harriet Smith and James Knight have a one-night stand . . . and then learn that they’ll be working on a production of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol together. Single mom and private school counselor Harriet overcomes the awkwardness by focusing on her students: She agreed to manage the production to shield some of them from the consequences of breaking into the decrepit theater. The owner of the theater is one of serious lawyer James’ clients, and James isn’t happy about the play or how his night with Harriet ended. However, nothing’s more fun than let’s-put-on-a-show enthusiasm, which in this case brings together an entire English village as well as Harriet and James. Bayliss’ mature main characters are refreshing stars, even as they fall into the usual romantic insecurities and miscommunication that cause lovers of all ages to stumble. In the end, James loosens up with Harriet’s aid, and his regard helps her value herself more. Along the way, readers will revel in the cute and sometimes rebellious kids, the wise and charming oldsters, and the descriptions of scrumptious foods from all over the world.
The Duke’s Christmas Bride
Revenge leads to romance in Anna Bradley’s Regency-set The Duke’s Christmas Bride. Maxwell Burke, the Duke of Grantham, desperately wishes to recover Hammond Court, the family home his father lost long ago in a foolish wager with Ambrose St. Clair. When Ambrose dies, Max discovers the man left Hammond Court to him—but also to stubborn Rose St. Claire, Ambrose’s ward, who has no intention of moving out. What’s a ruthless duke to do to get her going on her way? Why, bribe an eligible London gentleman to romance and marry the chit, of course. A holiday house party is arranged, and the brooding Max finds himself ice-skating, sleigh-riding and arranging a Christmas ball . . . all while falling for the enchanting woman he’s scheming to hand over to someone else. Brooding won’t help him now, and Max must find a way to solve the very dilemma he created while his amused friends—main characters from other entries in Bradley’s Drop Dead Dukes series—look on. A closed-off aristocrat and a warmhearted heroine who bakes the best Christmas treats? That’s a recipe for love story satisfaction.
The Christmas You Found Me
Prepare for a few tears along with your hot chocolate while reading The Christmas You Found Me by Sarah Morgenthaler, which follows two total strangers who enter into a “marriage of purpose” to provide for a 4-year-old with a life-threatening illness. Sienna Naples may be busy maintaining her family ranch in the Idaho wilderness, but she can’t look away from the dire dilemma of Guy Maple and his daughter, Emma, who has Stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Sienna’s generosity in taking in the small family provides a boon to her, too, as she’s lonely post-divorce and with her dad in acute elder care. Providing Emma with some needed fun is imperative despite her hovering illness, and Sienna steps up to make memories for them all. Cue small-town holiday events in between emergency medical visits, and two people who fall in love despite their vulnerability and grief. Told in Sienna’s first-person voice, this story provides a roller-coaster of emotions as well as an enthralling look at winter life on a remote ranch. Have a hankie at hand.
Christmas Is All Around
A curmudgeon unearths her holiday spirit in Christmas Is All Around by Martha Waters. Charlotte Lane has been over the season since starring in the now-classic film Christmas, Truly as a child. When her refusal to join a reboot of the film goes viral, she escapes to her sister’s in London. There, she’s roped into holiday escapades, including a country house tour where she meets the owner, attractive Englishman Graham Calloway. Now an artist, Charlotte can’t resist his idea that she create a series of Christmas-themed illustrations around London . . . with Graham as her guide to several iconic locations. While there’s an initial spark, these two are slow to succumb to the burn of passion as they’re dealing with—or more accurately, not dealing with—family issues that hold them back. But love truly finds its way on this fun tour through a London holiday, which is peopled with amusing secondary characters and has a satisfying happy ending that ticks all the boxes.
The year’s most delightful Christmas love stories are full of mistletoe and merriment—with just a dash of potential murder to spice things up.
A while back, I was chatting with a close mom friend when she referenced her first husband.
“Right,” I nodded. “Your first husband.”
She had a first husband?
Should I have known that? Did I know that, and space out the fact somewhere between buying my tween wide-leg jeans and binging The Bear?
But, no. Though we’d spent countless birthday parties, beach days and even grown-up dinners together, we had never gone there. And I guess, by now, she’d forgotten what she had and hadn’t shared.
The more I thought about it, the less surprising it seemed. After all, when we meet as parents, at least initially, we present mostly sanitized versions of ourselves. We want to appear solid, trustworthy, like upright citizens, always at the ready with organic snacks. We swap anecdotes about the best dance and theater classes, teachers and math curriculum—even parenting fails.
But past lives as club kids and potheads, past relationships with discarded first husbands, past romantic dalliances? Not so much.
All that fun stuff is sort of off-limits.
My fascination with that concept—the juxtaposition between the different versions of ourselves, what we choose to present and, alternatively, bury—is at the heart of my choice to include a third narrator in my new book, Pick-Up, a contemporary romance that revolves around parents at school drop-off and pickup (and then meanders to a private Caribbean island). The book features the voices of the two love interests, Sasha and Ethan, and then Kaitlin, who is essentially a social voyeur from Sasha’s present and past.
I first had the idea for Pick-Up while lingering outside my kids’ elementary school after drop-off with a group of parent friends, discussing the dearth of decent scandal at our school. We were all so well behaved! Or so it appeared.
I myself became a parent while living in Brooklyn, only a mildly inconvenient, if not foul-smelling, subway ride away from Manhattan’s Upper West Side, where I grew up. But because I spent the intervening years living in Los Angeles, when I returned and had kids, my two worlds of high school friends and parent friends remained distinctly separate.
But what if, I began to imagine, my two worlds collided? What if someone here knew who I was before—and had opinions about my then and now?
When we begin new stages of our lives, we are often presented with the opportunity to reinvent ourselves, both for appearances and authentically. That is, unless there’s someone around to remind us, even peripherally, of who we were. Someone who we may feel not only judging us for our current decisions, but also seeing us through the lens of a previous incarnation of ourselves.
Are they seeing us more or less clearly?
Throughout Pick-Up, when she’s not arguing with Ethan, Sasha begins to open her eyes to how her identity has morphed over the years, for the better and worse. So, in some ways, the character of Kaitlin becomes not only an observer of Sasha’s story, but also Sasha’s own shadow self, an example of what happens when we allow ourselves to be so weighed down by our past self-concepts that we convince ourselves we are failing in our present.
Classically in romance, there are—of course—two players who fall in love. But maybe, if we dig a little deeper, there are actually myriad characters who have their own valid versions of our main characters’ stories: the friends, the enemies, the onlookers, the interlopers, even the past versions of the characters themselves.
Photo of Nora Dahlia by Rich Wade.
Pick-Up has not one, not two, but three narrators (and it’s not because it’s about a polyamorous relationships).
Nora Dahlia hits the ground running with her debut rom-com, Pick-Up. If you’ve ever languished in the car pool lane, been dismissed by teachers and administrators, or wondered if the other parents on field trips are judging you (because as we all know, they are), this is the book for you.
A modern romance with relatable characters and a catchy narrative style, Pick-Up is told from the perspective of three first-person narrators: single mother Sasha Rubinstein, single father Ethan Jones, and Kaitlin, a fellow parent at the school all three characters’ children attend who was a childhood friend of Sasha’s.
Sasha is your typical harried, always-on-the-go single mother. Ethan is your typical handsome, clueless single father, seemingly too busy to be personable. Or so it seems. Once the story gets going, Dahlia opens the window into the reality of two people wrapped up in their identities as parents, juggling responsibilities while still searching for a soulmate, who spar over sweatshirts for their kids and spots in after-school programs. Ethan is especially relatable with his mental to-do lists, which are constantly changing based on how his day’s going and how he feels about whatever’s left to check off.
Kaitlin fills in the blanks for the reader like a classic Greek chorus, helping us see beyond Sasha’s and Ethan’s perspectives as the story—and their relationship—unfolds. It’s Kaitlin, for example, who first informs us that Sasha’s now ex-husband, Cliff, disappeared to Hollywood after hitting it big as a screenwriter, the fallout of which the tight-knit school community witnessed through closely observing Sasha. As the book goes on, the two women rediscover their friendship and Kaitlin proves to be a good companion for Sasha, providing a calm stability she didn’t realize she needed. However, Kaitlin’s perspective is at times a distraction, and it can feel as if Dahlia either doesn’t trust or is unable to let Sasha and Ethan tell their love story on their own.
Dahlia is a lifestyle writer living in New York City, and her crisp, punchy voice shines throughout Pick-Up, giving the city as much character as the characters themselves. It’s an enjoyable romance where it’s easy to root for a happy ending.
With The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells, Rachel Greenlaw offers a haunting romantic fantasy. After a decade away, English artist Carrie Morgan returns to her hometown of Woodsmoke. She had reasons to run, including her family’s witchy reputation. But her grandmother left Carrie her cottage, and she decides to refurbish it before selling the property and leaving again. The lure of the mountain town is almost as irresistible as Matthieu, a handsome stranger who offers his help with the renovation. However, Carrie’s Great-Aunt Cora, the keeper of the family’s book of spells, is convinced Carrie is headed for heartbreak: Morgan lore tells of magical, beautiful strangers who appear out of the mountains as winter begins, but disappear with the spring. Told in alternating viewpoints, the story follows Carrie, Cora and Carrie’s best friend, Ivy, as they confront their pasts and find love. Readers will lose themselves in this engrossing, atmospheric and emotional tale.
Pictures of You
Twenty-nine-year-old Evie Hudson awakens in a hospital with no memories past the age of 16 in Pictures of You by Emma Grey. Evie’s youthful voice lends a Freaky Friday/13 Going on 30 vibe to the beginning of the novel, but the can’t-look-away plot is ultimately much more serious, and the tone soon changes to match. Evie struggles to integrate what she learns of her recent past with her teenage vision of who she would become. Then an old friend, Drew, reluctantly steps in to help her discover why she broke ties with her family and best friend. Grey jumps back in time to fill in gaps for the reader, and Evie’s tale becomes darker and ever more riveting as layers are peeled back and sacrifices revealed. There’s nonstop drama and surprise after surprise in this twisty tearjerker.
Perfect Fit
A couple re-meets-cute in Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore. Josephine Davis runs her own clothing company in Austin, Texas, and is shocked when her largest investor hires business consultant Will Grant. Not only is Will the twin brother of Jo’s ex-best friend, but the pair also made out as teenagers. Can they work together even though they haven’t spoken in nine years? Gilmore writes in a fresh, modern voice, and fills the world around Josie and Will with cool friends with cool jobs and cool attitudes who support their burgeoning romance. It seems impossible for them not to end up together . . . if only they can overcome their insecurities and act like the adults they are now. Fun food, fun drinks and fun parties put this squarely in the rom-com lane, with an added coming-of-age element thanks to Josie’s first-person perspective.
Emma Grey’s Pictures of You highlights everything that’s great about one of romance’s most soapy tropes.
Set in Yangon, Myanmar, I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War combines kisses-only romance and suspense. Freelance journalist Khin Haymar has two months of access to movie star Tyler Tun in order to write an in-depth exposé. It’s the chance of a lifetime and, even though she’s known for more serious articles, such as one featuring an underground abortion clinic, Khin is recently divorced and needs a boost.,. When Khin and Tyler meet, they’re immediately drawn to each other, but journalistic ethics rule out a relationship between a writer and subject. Still, Tyler is handsome and sexy, and one night he steps in to save Khin from danger . . . How could she not be tempted? As they work together to investigate the threat, love blossoms. With swoony moments and some serious ones regarding the importance of journalism, this sweet yet thoroughly modern story satisfies.
The Highlander’s Return
The Highlander’s Return by Lynsay Sands hits all the classic notes of a satisfying historical romance: a marriage of convenience, a strong-but-silent hero and a feisty heroine who’s very deserving of her Happily Ever After. Six years ago, Annella Gunn’s husband, William, went missing the day after their wedding. After his younger brother, brawny warrior Graeme, returns home and delivers the news that William has died, Annella is a widow with an unknown future ahead of her. Graeme knows almost instantly what the beautiful Annella should do: Marry him. As he assumes his brother’s position of laird of the Gunn clan, Graeme also takes on the task of convincing Annella to become his bride. Their mutual passion works in his favor, but after the vows are exchanged, Annella and Graeme still have much to learn about each other—and a hidden danger lurks within the castle walls. Filled with excitement in and out of the bedchamber, this romance is a sizzling addition to Sands’ Highland Brides series.
Showmance
Tony Award-nominated playwright Chad Beguelin offers up a truly entertaining debut romance in Showmance. When playwright Noah Adams’ Broadway musical closes after one night, he returns to his Illinois hometown to look in on his ailing dad and lick his own wounds. The community’s local theater was his refuge as a gay teen, and when the group asks him to stage the same musical that just flopped, Noah can’t say no—even though Luke, his hunky high school nemesis/bully, is involved. Told in Noah’s first-person perspective, with well-drawn characters and bouncy dialogue, Showmance includes touching scenes between Noah and his undemonstrative father, as well as some of Noah’s old tormentors. As it turns out, hunky Luke likes guys, too, and his and Noah’s smoking chemistry leads to a happy ending that readers—especially those who catch all the musical references—will grin over.
Pyae Moe Thet War makes a convincing argument for the subgenre with her thrilling debut, plus Lynsay Sands’ latest Highland Brides romance.
Emma R. Alban adds a second book to her Mischief & Matchmaking series with You’re the Problem, It’s You. It’s the start of a new season in Victorian London, and second son Bobby Mason is finding his role as the spare particularly unrewarding. Everyone seems busy: his older brother and his uncle with Parliament; his cousin, Gwen, and her lover, Beth, with each other and their newfound happiness. But then James, the new Viscount Demeroven, appears on the scene. Bobby is sure of their mutual attraction, so the other man’s rejection of him galls. It takes time for Bobby to fully understand that James is dealing with severe anxiety, and fears that his sexuality might alienate him from society and tarnish his family name. But when blackmail threatens the two men, can a mutual enemy turn them into forever lovers? Alban skillfully captures James’ emotions, including his absolute yearning for Bobby, in this wonderful depiction of found families and their power to heal.
No One Does It Like You
Happily ever after gets a second chance at success in No One Does It Like You by Katie Shepard. In a terrifying moment during a hurricane, Broadway actor Tom Wilczewski leaves a voicemail for Rose Kelly, the ex-wife he hasn’t seen in 10 years. He loves her, he always has and he hopes he lives to make it up to her for all that went wrong between them. Tom survives, Rose gets the message and, seeing as she’s in a tough spot of her own, she begs him to help her restore her aunt’s inn on Martha’s Vineyard. Several amusing weeks of property rehab commence while Shepard examines how young lovers can make wrong assumptions and decisions. Rose is a fixer and Tom relied on her for too much: Can they love again while not falling into old habits? A cast of entertaining characters tramp through the plot of this sweet yet realistic love story.
Confounding Oaths
The fairy world intersects with Regency London in Alexis Hall’s Confounding Oaths. Loaded with clever banter and fascinating characters, the story follows John Caesar as he tries to help his sister Mary navigate society after she makes an ill-advised deal with a malicious fairy godmother. John’s quest to save Mary brings him to dashing Captain Orestes James, a war hero whose skills and rapscallion friends become necessary to rescue the girl. Shakespeare’s Puck serves as narrator, and the snarky, world-weary hobgoblin’s amusing asides contribute to the sexy fun. (Although Puck’s disinterest in mortal lovemaking means that he’s light on any intimate details.) But it’s not all laughs, as issues of class, race and sexuality are also addressed in this imaginative and interesting addition to Hall’s oeuvre.
The author’s latest, Confounding Oaths, comes complete with an evil fairy godmother, plus sweet new releases from Emma R. Alban and Katie Shepard in this month’s romance column.
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